'Pension reform' bill rammed through Lower House plenary session

Ignoring strong public criticism and helped by the opposition Democratic Party, the ruling Liberal Democratic and Komei parties railroaded the government "pension reform" bill through the House of Representatives Plenary Session on May 11. The Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party voted against.

The bill calls for pension premiums to be increased consecutively over 10 years and monthly employees' benefits to be cut 15 percent. An amendment to the bill jointly proposed by the Liberal Democratic, Komei, and Democratic parties was also approved.

Speaking on behalf of the JCP, Vice Chair Ishii Ikuko said, "The JCP is opposed to both the bill and the amendment because their content and the way of steering the bill go against public interests."

Later in the day, JCP Chair Shii Kazuo called a news conference and criticized the three parties for trying to force the public to endure heavier premium burdens with less benefits and depend on the consumption tax in supporting the pension program. "The bill, if enacted, will make the people's living conditions even harder," he emphasized.

Pointing out that more than 60 percent of respondents in public opinion polls have expressed opposition to the bill, Shii criticized the three parties for cutting the Lower House committee discussion short. "Such an arbitrary way of dealing with a major bill cannot be condoned," he said.

"The JCP in the House of Councilors will expose all the problems in this flawed bill so that it will be abolished."

Shii also criticized the Democratic Party for compromising with the ruling parties to facilitate the bill's passage, allowing the further adverse revision of the pension system. (end)